Major Study Suggests Pneumococcal Vaccines May Increase Risk of Pneumonia and Death

Parents and grandparents—take note. A new real-world study of over 2.2 million adults in Catalonia, Spain, raises serious questions about the pneumococcal vaccines routinely recommended for children and adults.

These vaccines are supposed to prevent serious bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis—but this latest evidence suggests they may actually increase the risk of pneumonia and death.

What the Study Found

Researchers analyzed adults aged 50 and older, comparing those who received the older pneumococcal vaccines—PCV13 and PPSV23—with those who did not. After adjusting for age, sex, existing health conditions, and influenza vaccination, the results were startling:

• PCV13 recipients were:

  • 1.83× more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia

  • 1.55× more likely to develop any pneumonia

  • 1.91× more likely to die from pneumonia

• PPSV23 recipients were:

  • 1.21× more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia

  • 1.24× more likely to develop any pneumonia

  • No significant reduction in deaths

Even in high-risk groups—elderly (≥65), immunocompromised, or those with chronic heart/lung/metabolic conditions—no protective effect was observed. In other words, the vaccines did not prevent pneumonia and may have worsened outcomes.

Why This Matters for Canadian Families

• Children: Nearly all Canadian children receive pneumococcal vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20). These newer vaccines are built on the same biological platform as PCV13, just covering more strains. Could the same risks apply to children?

• Adults and Seniors: Most Canadians 50+ are recommended to get pneumococcal vaccines. This study suggests adults may face higher risks of pneumonia hospitalizations and death—even after vaccination.

• Informed Choice: Parents and grandparents deserve full information on risks, benefits and alternatives before consenting to vaccination.

What You Can Do

1. Ask Questions: Talk to your healthcare provider about real-world evidence, including studies showing possible increased risks.

2. Consider Alternatives: Lifestyle, nutrition and early medical care are critical for pneumonia prevention.

3. Advocate for Transparency: Encourage Canadian health authorities to release post-vaccine data and reconsider recommendations based on the latest evidence.

Bottom Line

Decades of pneumococcal vaccination in adults and children may need a serious re-evaluation. Families need to know the facts to make the best decisions for their loved ones’ health.

Read the full BMC Infectious Diseases study HERE.

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